Frequently Asked Questions: General
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What are commodity codes? Commodity codes are standardized numerical codes used to identify goods and services. These codes are used by the City of Austin and other entities in their procurement systems. The City of Austin uses National Institute of Government Procurement (NIGP) codes. If my business was not selected for a contract, will I be told why our bid was rejected? Contact the Central Procurement Office and request a debrief. A debrief can occur once a contract has been awarded and executed by the City. Does SMBR provide supportive services to certified firms? SMBR is in the process of creating a program of supportive services. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
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Where do I find NAICS and NIGP codes? NAICS codes can be found here: www.naics.com.
The NIGP catalog is located at Periscope Holdings. This is the contractor the City uses to maintain the codes. NAICS codes are used to solicit federal projects, while NIGP codes are used for City of Austin solicitations.
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Are we required to get a DUNS account to be a certified firm? No, you are not required to have a DUNS account to be certified.
Does my business need additional insurance to do business with the City of Austin? You might need to secure additional insurance depending on the contract depending on the contract requirements. How can I secure bonding for my business? Bonding services are not available from the City of Austin. Firms will need to secure bonding via the private sector.
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Do I need a special license to do business with the City of Austin? There is not a contractor license or general license required to do business with the City or to own a company. If the scope is specific to those that require professional licenses, one would need to have license, or employ someone with requisite license. Why do I keep receiving bid notices for goods or services that are not related to my business? It is possible that the commodity codes for your business are incorrect. You should login to your vendor account to review the codes and to make updates as needed. How can my firm learn about upcoming contracts with the City of Austin? Active solicitations can be found at www.austintexas.gov/service/active-solicitations. Upcoming projects can be found at www.austintexas.gov/department/upcoming-projects. How can I meet City of Austin department staff that are responsible for purchasing goods and services? The City of Austin hosts an annual Minority and Small Business Connections event where firms can meet representatives from various City of Austin Departments. Does the City of Austin help subcontractors meet prime contractors? The SMBR department holds Meet the Prime sessions. Look for those to be advertised at www.austintexas.gov/department/small-and-minority-business-resources-0. How can my company be a prime contractor? If your firm is capable of handling the scope of work on a contract, you may bid or propose on a City of Austin contract as a prime contractor.
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Q A What policies has the City of Austin implemented regarding payments to vendors working on City contracts? Mobilization Prompt Pay Program Partial Payment Process Quick Pay Program Release of Retainage
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